Last weekend I did something I hadn't for many years, and got up early to watch golf.
Tiger Woods, the man groomed to be the best golfer in the world was in with a shout of winning The Masters, probably the greatest Major of them all. It's played at Augusta, the crazy hard golf course where phones and advertising aren't allowed and the winner gets a green jacket and an awkward chat in a cabin.
Even if you struggle with watching golf on TV, Augusta's less than stellar race relations track record or Tiger, generally, one of the all time sporting greats making a run at redemption was a compelling watch.
He played the final round shooting at the percentage parts of the greens rather than the pins, more Borg than McEnroe, clearing a path through a very strong field to win and complete one of the greatest career comebacks of all time.
I still think the cozy world of golf has let him off too lightly for his ludicrous behaviour that self-destructed his marriage (his stage-managed apology was Atonement Lite), but there's no doubt he's been through the wringer with a series of tough injuries and a prescription drugs blow out.
His charge off the green after wining the tournament to embrace his kids is already one of the great images in golf - as was taking off his cap to reveal he's losing his hair, giving hope to weekend hackers everywhere.
He's now on 15 major titles, within touching distance of Jack Nicklaus' 18 - there are four Majors every year, and for as long as his back holds out, he'll be the story. If you're sick of Tiger now, you're in for a bad time.
A post script: worryingly, I've been out playing again. Golf is one of the sports that can really get under your skin. I caught the bug hard in my late twenties, but haven't really played for several years. There's some shocking rust in my game, but goodness me, those moments where your mind wanders to that time you really nailed a seven iron onto the green are like crack. Strap in.
Thanks for reading - Richard
The week's best NZ sport writing
Simon Wilson patiently explains why Eden Park's future must be debated as part of the big picture, not the details. Make sure you read part two also [NZ Herald]
We lost Yvette Corlett (nee Williams) this week, our first female Olympic gold medalist - Suzanne McFadden celebrates her achievements and asks why she wasn't Dame Yvette [LockerRoom]
Hamish Girvan gives us a run down on Spark's rugby world cup offering and pricing, as well as some v sensible advice about what you can do to get ready [Sportsfreak]
A plug - for rugby analysis that's not simply chatty ex-players that have been hitting Barkers a little too hard, try The 1014, Tuesdays at 8pm on SKY
Video nasty
Man rides mountain bike through forest in alarming fashion.
Long read
The story of George, John F Kennedy Jr's attempt to publish a magazine that was equal parts politics and pop culture [Hollywood Reporter]
Selected weekend fixtures
Super Tottenham play Man City for the third time in ten days at 11.30pm Saturday night in the Premier League, while the Phoenix play Melbourne City in a crucial one on Sunday at 7pm from the Cake Tin
Highlanders v Blues from Dunedin tomorrow night is the most interesting Super Rugby match this weekend, it's on SKY
Bring back the gif
You, after Tiger inspired you back out on the course:
